After my 5th knee injury/surgery from playing soccer, I was out of shape and doing personal training to try and get back on the field. A friend of mine suggested I try CrossFit Central with her. We started with small group training and then after about a month graduated up to the 10am class. That was 4 years ago.

CrossFit has changed my life in a lot of ways. Prior to CrossFit Central I was always limping along, literally, on the soccer field, up and down stairs etc. I had lower back problems, knee problems, and little strength to help compensate/fix/help that. Mentally and emotionally I had goals that I wanted to reach, particularly in improving my fitness and physique but really struggled with solo workouts at a big box gym or group cardio classes. I needed something different. Something that was new to me, challenging, engaging and forced me to be accountable for showing up (Hey, Coach!).

Since joining CrossFit Central I’ve lost approximately 40 lbs. and probably as close to as many inches and went from a size 12/14 to a 6/8. This community is fantastic at lifting each other up and supporting one another. I’ve lifted weight I didn’t think I could because other people believed I could, so I tried. When you feel that kind of love regularly, it translates to other parts of your life and you’re willing to try more, do more, be more confident, put your shoulders back and walk a little taller, smile more.

The sense of accomplishment I get in the gym comes back around and supports my well being in other areas of my life, which in turn improves relationships. I feel happier, stronger, less stressed, more content. I can show my kids something that I couldn’t do before, and now, after some practice and some work, I *can* do it. I think that’s a valuable lesson for anybody.